150,000 Police Officers to Protect 33,809 Indonesian Churches during Christmas
ICC NOTE: Over 150,000 police officers and security personnel will be on duty to protect the 33,809 churches spread across Indonesia. As ISIS continues to spread globally and radical Muslim groups persecute religious minorities in the Island chain, the fear of violence is a credible threat. As Christmas arrives this week, thousands of Churches and millions of Christians will be celebrating the birth of Jesus. A prime target for any terrorist or radical Muslim who wishes to eliminate Christianity in Indonesia. It is progress to see Indonesian security forces taking initiative to protect the most vulnerable of locations during Christmas.
12/21/2015 Jakarta, Indonesia (Jakarta Globe) – Indonesia’s National Police will go all-out this year in their effort to protect Christian houses of worship amid a heightened terror threat.
Operation Candle will run from Dec. 24 until Jan. 2 this year and will involve more than 150,000 security personnel, Brig. Gen. Agus Rianto said at the National Police headquarters in Jakarta on Friday.
“From the National Police there will be 80,197 personnel, backed up by 70,351 people from the TNI [Indonesian Military] and affiliated institutions,” Agus said.
“There’s a total number of 33,809 churches. But apart from houses of worship we will also pay attention to other locations, such as tourism spots and entertainment venues,” he added.
Police have also installed almost 1,000 camera’s at key locations and more than 1,550 security posts will be set up across the country, alongside 638 service posts.
“We hope Christmas and New Year’s celebrations will take place in orderly, safe and smooth fashion,” Agus said, adding that security would also be tightened at ports, airports and bus and train stations.
The general also said the police would receive assistance from certain Islamic organizations in various parts of the country to help guard churches.
Officials have indicated in recent months that the threat of a terror attack by supporters of radical groups like the Islamic State movement also exists in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country. Experts also say, however, that large-scale attacks are unlikely here.